NightDragon Acquisition Corp.
Software Engineer, Ground Segment
NightDragon Acquisition Corp., San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Overview
Capella Space is a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology and space-based signal intelligence. We empower government, commercial, and research organizations around the world with high-resolution, timely Earth insights that drive better decisions across defense and intelligence, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, energy, and more.
As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where customers need them. Capella is a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing. Together, we are on a mission to bring quantum computing to space, unlocking secure uplink and downlink capabilities, reducing latency, and enabling on-orbit analytics.
Capella was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and allied government agencies worldwide. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists.
About the Role As a Software Engineer at Capella Space, you will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and maintaining distributed systems for our satellite constellation. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop software solutions that enable efficient management and operation of our satellite network. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of space technology and play a key role in the success of Capella Space.
Responsibilities
Design and develop distributed systems to support satellite operations.
Collaborate with teams to define system requirements and architecture.
Implement software solutions to enable efficient data processing and transmission.
Optimize system performance and reliability.
Troubleshoot and debug complex distributed systems.
Ensure software meets quality and security standards.
Contribute to the development of best practices and coding standards.
Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software solutions.
Requirements
Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.
3+ years of experience in software development with a focus on distributed systems.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Rust, Java, or C++.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Experience with cloud-based distributed systems and microservices (e.g., AWS, Azure).
Lambda
S3
EKS
SQS
Strong understanding of networking protocols and distributed computing concepts.
Knowledge of data storage and processing technologies
SQL
MongoDB
InfluxDB
Kafka
Familiarity with containerization and orchestration platforms (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git), GitLab, and CI/CD pipelines.
Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Capella Employees must be U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR.
Compensation The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $104,685.00 - $121,697.00. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on education, qualifications, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate, location, and market data. Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.
Benefits
Extensive medical coverage, including vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
401K Plan
Parental Leave program
Lifestyle Spending Account
Commuter & Parking Benefits
Mental Health Resources
Monthly Phone Stipend
Dog-friendly work environment and pet insurance options
Equal Opportunity Statement Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We actively encourage minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting at Capella Space.
To learn more about us, explore our site and follow us on social media to see our SAR imagery.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where customers need them. Capella is a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing. Together, we are on a mission to bring quantum computing to space, unlocking secure uplink and downlink capabilities, reducing latency, and enabling on-orbit analytics.
Capella was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and allied government agencies worldwide. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists.
About the Role As a Software Engineer at Capella Space, you will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and maintaining distributed systems for our satellite constellation. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop software solutions that enable efficient management and operation of our satellite network. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of space technology and play a key role in the success of Capella Space.
Responsibilities
Design and develop distributed systems to support satellite operations.
Collaborate with teams to define system requirements and architecture.
Implement software solutions to enable efficient data processing and transmission.
Optimize system performance and reliability.
Troubleshoot and debug complex distributed systems.
Ensure software meets quality and security standards.
Contribute to the development of best practices and coding standards.
Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software solutions.
Requirements
Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.
3+ years of experience in software development with a focus on distributed systems.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Rust, Java, or C++.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Experience with cloud-based distributed systems and microservices (e.g., AWS, Azure).
Lambda
S3
EKS
SQS
Strong understanding of networking protocols and distributed computing concepts.
Knowledge of data storage and processing technologies
SQL
MongoDB
InfluxDB
Kafka
Familiarity with containerization and orchestration platforms (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git), GitLab, and CI/CD pipelines.
Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Capella Employees must be U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR.
Compensation The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $104,685.00 - $121,697.00. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on education, qualifications, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate, location, and market data. Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.
Benefits
Extensive medical coverage, including vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
401K Plan
Parental Leave program
Lifestyle Spending Account
Commuter & Parking Benefits
Mental Health Resources
Monthly Phone Stipend
Dog-friendly work environment and pet insurance options
Equal Opportunity Statement Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We actively encourage minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting at Capella Space.
To learn more about us, explore our site and follow us on social media to see our SAR imagery.
#J-18808-Ljbffr